Specialty Contact Lenses for Complex Vision
When You've Been Told You Can't Wear Contacts
Have you been told your prescription is too high, your astigmatism is too complex, or your eyes are too dry for contact lenses? For years, you may have believed that glasses were your only option. But contact lens technology has come a long way. We specialize in fitting advanced, custom-designed specialty contact lenses that can provide clear, comfortable vision, even for the most complex and hard-to-fit eyes.
There are
advanced specialty lens designs built to fit almost every hard-to-fit eye — including Keratoconus, high astigmatism, and severe dry eye.
Freedom from Glasses is Possible, Even for You.
For many people, being told they are not a candidate for contact lenses can be incredibly frustrating. You desire the freedom, convenience, and wider field of view that contacts provide, but you’ve been held back by the limitations of traditional, mass-produced soft lenses.
Have you ever been told:
- “Your astigmatism is too high for soft contact lenses.”
- “You have a condition called Keratoconus, so you can’t wear contacts.”
- “Your eyes are too dry for contacts.”
- “You need bifocals, and bifocal contacts just won’t work for you.”
- “You had LASIK surgery, and now your vision is blurry and you can’t be fitted with contacts.”
If you’ve heard any of these, you are in the right place. We have the technology and expertise to find a solution.
Beyond Soft Lenses: A New World of Contact Lens Technology
Standard soft contact lenses are designed for a narrow range of common prescriptions. For anyone outside that range, a custom solution is required. We use advanced materials and designs to create lenses that are tailor-made for your unique eyes.
Our Specialty Lens Portfolio:
1. Scleral Lenses:
Large-diameter, rigid gas-permeable lenses that vault completely over the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye).
How they work: By vaulting over the cornea, they create a new, perfectly smooth optical surface, masking irregularities from conditions like Keratoconus or post-surgical complications. The space between the lens and the cornea is filled with a saline solution, which provides constant hydration, making them incredibly comfortable for people with severe dry eye.
Ideal for: Keratoconus, post-LASIK ectasia, severe dry eye, high astigmatism.
2. Hybrid Lenses:
These lenses offer the best of both worlds: a rigid, gas-permeable center that provides crisp, clear optics, surrounded by a soft “skirt” that provides the comfort of a traditional soft lens.
How they work: The rigid center corrects for complex prescriptions and astigmatism, while the soft skirt provides a comfortable, stable fit.
Ideal for: People who need the clarity of a rigid lens but struggle with the comfort.
3. Custom Soft Lenses:
Using advanced manufacturing techniques, we can design custom soft lenses for virtually any prescription, including very high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. We can also design custom multifocal lenses for those who need correction for both distance and near.
A Meticulous Process for Unparalleled Comfort and Clarity
Fitting specialty contact lenses is a science and an art. It requires advanced technology, deep expertise, and a commitment to finding the perfect solution for each individual patient.
The Advanced Topography & Health Assessment
1
We begin by creating a detailed, 3D map of your cornea using a corneal topographer, then perform a thorough assessment of your tear film and overall eye health to determine the best lens material and design for you.
Custom Lens Design and Trial Fitting
2
Based on your unique map, we design a custom lens and use our large in-office trial inventory to assess fit, comfort, and vision — often testing several designs to find the optimal lens for you.
Dispensing and Ongoing Care
3
Once the perfect lens is found, we order your custom supply and provide detailed, one-on-one training on how to insert, remove, and care for your new lenses — then schedule regular follow-ups to keep your eyes healthy and your lenses comfortable.
Seeing the World Clearly for the First Time
Your Questions, Answered
Are specialty contact lenses uncomfortable?
It’s a common misconception. While rigid lenses can take some getting used to, modern designs and materials have made them much more comfortable. Scleral lenses, in particular, are often described as being more comfortable than soft lenses, especially for people with dry eye, because they constantly bathe the eye in a soothing saline solution.
Are these lenses difficult to care for?
They require a different care routine than standard soft lenses, but it is not difficult. We provide extensive, hands-on training to ensure you are completely confident in your ability to handle and care for your lenses safely.
Is this covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes. When specialty lenses are deemed “medically necessary” for conditions like Keratoconus or severe dry eye, they are often covered by medical insurance, unlike cosmetic soft contact lenses.
Why can't I just get these from my regular eye doctor?
Fitting specialty contact lenses requires advanced training, expensive diagnostic equipment (like a corneal topographer), and a significant investment in trial lens inventory. Most general optometrists are not equipped to provide this specialized service.
Related Care at Brain Vision Institute
References
- Scleral Lens Education Society. (n.d.). What are Scleral Lenses?. Retrieved from sclerallens.org
- American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Specialty Contact Lenses.
- National Keratoconus Foundation. (n.d.). Scleral Lenses.
- Contact Lens Manufacturers Association. (n.d.). Gas Permeable (GP) Contact Lenses.
- Optometry & Vision Science. (Various articles on specialty contact lenses).
- College of Optometrists in Vision Development. (n.d.). Specialty Contact Lenses.
- Amen, D. G. (2021). The End of Mental Illness. Tyndale House Publishers.
The Freedom of Clear, Comfortable Vision is Within Reach
If you have been told that you are not a candidate for contact lenses, it’s time for a second opinion. With today’s advanced technology, there is a solution for almost every eye. Schedule a consultation to discover the specialty lens that can give you the freedom you deserve.
